The City of Malibu has made it more convenient for residents to recycle their used household batteries. City Hall now has used battery collection bins located in both the upstairs and downstairs lobbies, accessible during the regular business hours of Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The city asks that the contacts (positive ends +) of each battery be covered with tape before being dropped into the recycle bins in order to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Tape cuts down the number of incidents that involve batteries leaking, breaking or catching fire during shipping, handling and transportation.
“Battery recycling keeps highly toxic materials out of the environment and saves natural resources,” Mayor Lou La Monte said in a statement provided by the city. “By offering residents the chance to conveniently recycle batteries, the City of Malibu continues to demonstrate our strong commitment to environmental protection.”
Residents are reminded that under the California Universal Waste Rule, it’s illegal to throw common household batteries into the regular trash because they contain toxic metals that include mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel. According to LA County, “Batteries that end up in landfills may have a negative effect on our environment and food chain, potentially causing serious health risks to humans and animals.”
The types of batteries that can be recycled include dry cell batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-Volt), rechargeable batteries (used in cell phones and power tools), button cell batteries (used in watches, cameras, and hearing aids) and rechargeable battery packs — NiCad, NiMH, or lithium ion (typically used in laptop computers, cellular phones, etc.). It does not accept car batteries.